Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Cherry Hill, NJ
Medication-Assisted Treatment is the gold standard for opioid use disorder — reducing overdose mortality by more than 50%, dramatically cutting relapse rates, and allowing people to rebuild their lives. Hope Harbor Addiction Center at 1590 Kings Hwy North, Cherry Hill, NJ integrates FDA-approved MAT medications with comprehensive counseling and behavioral therapies. Call (732) 523-5239 — available 24/7.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling, behavioral therapies, and support services to treat substance use disorders. The medications used in MAT work on the brain's opioid receptors to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve cravings, and prevent physiological withdrawal symptoms. When integrated with therapy, MAT produces dramatically better outcomes than either medication or counseling alone.
New Jersey offers one of the most accessible MAT systems in the Mid-Atlantic region, according to SAMHSA 2024 data. Hope Harbor's Cherry Hill center makes this evidence-based care available to all of South Jersey — including Philadelphia-area residents crossing into NJ for treatment.
MAT for Opioid Use Disorder
In Camden County, where fentanyl is involved in approximately 78% of confirmed overdose deaths, MAT is not optional — it is life-saving. We use three FDA-approved medication approaches:
Buprenorphine / Suboxone
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that activates opioid receptors sufficiently to prevent withdrawal and cravings without producing the full euphoric effect of illicit opioids. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is the most commonly prescribed formulation. Buprenorphine reduces overdose mortality by over 50% and is the most widely studied and prescribed MAT medication for opioid use disorder. It can be initiated in office-based settings — no daily clinic visit required.
Extended-Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Vivitrol is a monthly naltrexone injection that fully blocks opioid receptors — meaning opioids cannot produce any euphoric effect while naltrexone is active. It requires complete opioid detoxification before initiation (typically 7–10 days opioid-free). Vivitrol is ideal for patients who prefer a non-opioid medication option, have concerns about buprenorphine diversion, or have co-occurring alcohol use disorder (naltrexone treats both simultaneously).
Oral Naltrexone
Daily oral naltrexone provides the same opioid-blocking mechanism as Vivitrol without the injection. Requires consistent daily adherence — which makes Vivitrol the preferred option for many patients. Best suited for highly motivated individuals with strong accountability structures.
MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder
MAT for alcohol is among the most evidence-backed, underutilized treatments in addiction medicine. Three FDA-approved medications are available:
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol or oral): Reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol and reduces craving intensity. Monthly Vivitrol injection is highly effective for alcohol use disorder and eliminates the daily adherence burden.
- Acamprosate (Campral): Reduces post-acute withdrawal discomfort — the persistent anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness that drive relapse in early sobriety. Especially effective for people who've achieved initial sobriety.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): Creates an immediate aversive reaction (flushing, nausea, palpitations) when alcohol is consumed. Functions as a powerful behavioral deterrent. Best for patients with high external motivation.
Ask About MAT at Our Cherry Hill Center — Call Now.
Free, confidential assessments. Insurance accepted. Same-day intake available.
MAT + Counseling: The Integrated Approach
Medication alone is not sufficient. Effective MAT at Hope Harbor integrates medication management with:
- Individual therapy (CBT, Motivational Interviewing, relapse prevention)
- Group therapy and peer support
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Case management and social support services
- Family education and therapy
This integration is what transforms MAT from medication management into comprehensive recovery support. See our opioid treatment program page for more on the full OTP framework.
Insurance Coverage for MAT in NJ
New Jersey has specific insurance laws requiring coverage of buprenorphine and naltrexone under the NJ Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Insurers must cover MAT comparably to other prescription medications and medical treatments. We work with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Horizon BCBS, AmeriHealth, and most major commercial carriers. Call (732) 523-5239 to verify your MAT coverage — free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — this is a persistent myth that the medical community has thoroughly debunked. FDA-approved MAT medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone are used at therapeutic doses that stabilize brain chemistry, eliminate cravings, and prevent overdose — without producing the euphoria associated with addiction. Patients on MAT are not 'high'; they are medically stabilized. Studies show MAT reduces opioid overdose mortality by 50%+ and dramatically improves treatment retention.
We use FDA-approved medications including buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol injection), and oral naltrexone for opioid use disorder. For alcohol use disorder, we use naltrexone, acamprosate (Campral), and disulfiram (Antabuse). Medication selection is individualized based on your history, preferences, and clinical assessment.
Duration varies significantly by individual. SAMHSA guidelines and most clinical authorities recommend at least 12 months of MAT for opioid use disorder, and many people benefit from longer-term or indefinite treatment. Tapering off MAT should always be a slow, clinically supervised process — abrupt discontinuation dramatically increases relapse and overdose risk.
Yes. MAT is covered by commercial insurance plans under the NJ Mental Health Parity Act. NJ also has specific laws requiring coverage of buprenorphine and naltrexone. Call (732) 523-5239 to verify your specific coverage.
Effective MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies — the medication alone is not sufficient. At Hope Harbor, MAT is always integrated with individual therapy, group programming, and case management. This integrated approach produces the best long-term outcomes.
Ready to Start Recovery? Our Cherry Hill Team is Available 24/7.
Free, confidential assessments. Insurance accepted. Same-day intake available.